The Senate Banking Committee is set to hold a confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh, the nominee for chair of the Federal Reserve, replacing Jerome Powell when his term ends on May 15.
Warsh's disclosures include a spate of investments in crypto and artificial intelligence.
Before his confirmation hearing in the Senate, Warsh submitted a disclosure to the US Office of Government Ethics outlining his stakes in Excepted Investment Funds (EIFs) linked to Compound, Dapper Labs, Kinetic, and AI companies like Delphi, Conversion, Factory, Glue, and others.
There was no specific value range for the Fed chair nominee's investments in crypto and AI, according to a report from Reuters on Tuesday, even though his assets topped $100 million.
A confirmation hearing next week is likely and subsequent Senate vote are the two steps in the process, and Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.) told Fox Business that he expects both to be finished in the coming weeks.
This timetable coincides with the May end of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's tenure.
Over the past year, US President Donald Trump has been very critical of Powell for the way he has handled interest rate policy. The DOJ then began a criminal investigation on Powell, alleging that he had lied about the refurbishment plans for the central bank's headquarters.
North Carolina senator and Senate Banking Committee member Thom Tillis has said he will not vote to advance nominations unless the probe is "resolved."
Crypto Investments
A report from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics details Warsh's portfolio, which includes stakes in at least 20 crypto-related firms, as disclosed during the nomination process.
One example is the decentralized exchange protocol, which includes the dYdX platform for trading derivatives.
Venture funding firm Lighter, NFT-focused Dapper Labs, Solana, and Optimism are all involved.
The ethics report states that Warsh has also invested in some lesser-known cryptocurrency firms, such as Ridian, OnJuno, Eulith, and Lemon Cash.
Before Trump nominated Warsh to head the Fed, he discussed cryptocurrency, expressing his belief that Bitcoin is a significant asset that can provide valuable insights for policymakers.
Warsh was an initial backer of an algorithmic stablecoin initiative, Basis, and engaged in advisory and investment capacities with the crypto index manager Bitwise.
There are concerns that the value of investments in crypto and AI were not disclosed, but according to the ethics office's guidelines, assets worth less than $1,000 are exempt from disclosure requirements.
The most significant disclosures included the Juggernaut Fund, which held more than $50 million, and the Duquesne Family Office, run by Stanley Druckenmiller, which had advisory fees totaling more than $10 million.
Crypto Portfolio & Strategy
Warsh's portfolio comprises allocations in cryptocurrency infrastructure (Tenderly, Electric Capital) and a range of firms concentrated on digital assets.
The allocations seem to align with a wider strategy of making calculated risks in innovative technology, rather than solely focusing on straightforward, liquid digital currencies.
Bitcoin has been called a "policeman" for central bank policies and a "new gold" by Warsh, who has previously described it as a major asset.
In a thorough 69-page financial report that was submitted to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics on April 14, 2026, in anticipation of his confirmation hearing, those disclosures were included.
Warsh's traditional role as central banker comes when digital avatars offer advice, art is created by AI, herpes vaccinations are inventive, reversible male contraception is long-lasting, and derivatives trading is decentralized.
Investors Bet Big on Warsh
Bitcoin enthusiasts are placing their hopes on Warsh as a possible Federal Reserve chair, seeing him as a supporter of "new gold" who might create a more favorable atmosphere for cryptocurrencies.
Although he has previously shown a preference for elevated rates, advocates anticipate a shift towards a more practical stance on digital assets, which could lead to a reduction in regulatory constraints and foster sustained institutional engagement.
Advocates argue that with Warsh at the helm, the Fed might adopt a more favorable approach towards digital assets, thereby lessening the risk of unexpected regulatory interventions.
Some analysts say the selection of Warsh has the potential to increase institutional trust in crypto. On the other hand, a few analysts point to Warsh's history of tough monetary policy as a reason why risk assets could be hit hard by tighter financial conditions.
What About Other Key Roles?
While the Senate Banking Committee readies itself to consider Warsh's nomination, Trump has remained mum on the subject of filling the open commissioner posts at the SEC and the CFTC.
The timing couldn't be more opportune for the oversight of digital assets.
At present, Republicans make up the SEC's commissioners, leaving the agency with just three out of five posts occupied.
Michael Selig, another Republican, is the sole commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which now has four open seats.
If the Senate follows through on a crypto market structure measure that has been sitting since July 2025, the participation of both regulatory bodies is expected to be critical in the supervision of digital assets.
Be at the heart of TradFi–DeFi collaboration at Money20/20 Asia 2026 .
Are you looking to forge partnerships with banks and fintechs? To expand into new markets across Asia, or to secure funding from top-tier investors? This April, the world of digital assets, blockchain, and Web3 converges with the biggest players in APAC’s financial ecosystem at Money20/20 Asia 2026 and its brand new ‘Intersection’ zone, complete with a dedicated content stage, TradFi-Defi innovator showcase, and curated networking spaces. From traditional banking giants to decentralised innovators, private equity leaders, and cutting-edge fintech disruptors, this is where they meet to forge partnerships, spark dialogue, and shape the future of finance.
